Governor Chet Culver has signed a bill into law which sets aside four-million dollars in state tax money to be awarded as grants for small businesses being started by women, minorities or disabled Iowans.
Culver describes the bill as part of state government’s effort to help Iowans reach the “American Dream” of owning their own business. “Simply put…the only way for Iowa to succeed is if we build one Iowa where people from different backgrounds and ideas lock arms for the common good,” Culver says.
State grants of up to $50,000 will be made available to women, minorities and disabled Iowans who need extra start-up support as they launch a small business. “For us to achieve our dreams and move our state forward, we must make Iowa a state where everyone — regardless of race or gender or ability — has the opportunity to turn their ideas into reality and reach their God-given potential,” Culver says.
According to the governor, these “targeted small business” grants will help make the state’s workforce more diverse.